What Is Hot-Pressed Boron Nitride?
Hot-Pressed Boron Nitride is made by hot-press sintering of high-purity hexagonal boron nitride powder. The process eliminates porosity, creating a dense, mechanically robust ceramic with fine grain structure. Though softer than cubic boron nitride (CBN), HPBN offers unique thermal and electrical properties that make it invaluable in both insulating and heat-intensive environments.
Material Characteristics
Structure: Hexagonal
Manufacturing Method: Hot pressing (high temperature + high pressure)
Key Traits:
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High thermal conductivity
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Excellent dielectric insulation
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Chemically inert to most molten metals
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Non-wettable and non-reactive with aluminum, magnesium, and slags
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Machinable to tight tolerances
Physical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Chemical Formula |
BN |
| Density |
1.9–2.2 g/cm³ |
| Color |
White to light gray |
| Crystal Structure |
Hexagonal (graphite-like) |
| Porosity |
<1% |
Mechanical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Hardness (Vickers) |
~25–40 HV |
| Flexural Strength |
30–50 MPa |
| Compressive Strength |
100–200 MPa |
| Machinability |
Excellent (similar to graphite) |
Thermal & Electrical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Maximum Service Temperature |
900°C in air, >2000°C in inert/vacuum |
| Thermal Conductivity |
30–60 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity |
>10¹³ Ω·cm |
| Dielectric Strength |
>10⁵ V/cm |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient |
~1–2 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Available Products
We supply Hot-Pressed Boron Nitride in multiple forms:
HPBN Blocks & Plates
Cut and machined to custom specifications for insulators, liners, and fixtures.
HPBN Crucibles & Components
Ideal for molten metal processing, high-temperature furnaces, and crystal growth systems.
HPBN Machined Parts
Custom-designed parts for vacuum, semiconductor, and aerospace systems.
Key Applications
1. Thermal Insulation
Case Study: SAM Showcases HBN for Thermal Management in Power Electronics
2. Molten Metal Handling
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Non-wettable with aluminum, magnesium, lead, and slags
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Perfect for crucibles, casting molds, and metal-contact fixtures
3. Semiconductor Processing
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Used in PVD, CVD, and MOCVD systems for its purity and electrical insulation
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Contamination-free performance in cleanroom conditions
4. Vacuum & Plasma Systems
5. Electrical Insulation
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High dielectric strength makes HPBN a reliable insulator in extreme conditions
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Used in RF systems, microwave devices, and power electronics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is Hot-Pressed Boron Nitride different from regular hBN powder?
A: HPBN is dense, non-porous, and machinable, unlike loose or sprayable hBN powders.
Q: Is HPBN suitable for molten metal contact?
A: Yes, it is non-wettable and chemically stable with most molten metals and slags.
Q: What is the maximum temperature HPBN can handle?
A: Up to 900°C in air and over 2000°C in inert atmospheres or vacuum.
Q: Can HPBN be machined into complex shapes?
A: Yes, it is one of the few ceramics that can be machined with standard tools.
Q: Is HPBN electrically conductive?
A: No, it is an excellent electrical insulator even at high temperatures.
Your HPBN Component Partner
Stanford Advanced Materials offers high-purity, high-performance Hot-Pressed Boron Nitride products with tight dimensional control and consistent quality. Whether you need thermal insulators, custom fixtures, or vacuum-rated parts, we can deliver to spec.
Contact Us to discuss custom machining, bulk pricing, or technical consultations.
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